(Buy German driver license online)Rules of the road when driving in Germany

Overtaking and passing

Buy German driver license online (Rules of the road when driving in Germany)

In Germany, motorists drive on the right and overtake on the left.

Where heavy traffic has built up into queues and two or more lanes of traffic are moving in the same direction, vehicles on the right may overtake those on the left.

Trams must be overtaken on the right if they are moving, unless the space is inadequate. In that situation, they can be overtaken on the left. Trams can also be overtaken on either side of a one-way street, while priority should always be given to those boarding or alighting them.

Drivers cannot overtake a school bus – which can usually be identified by red flashing lights – that has stopped outside a built-up area to let passengers on or off.

Finally, a ‘no overtaking sign’ means you cannot pass a vehicle with more than two wheels.

Who has priority? (Rules of the road when driving in Germany)

• Traffic from the right tends to have priority at crossroads and junctions
• Vehicles turning left at an intersection have to give way to oncoming vehicles
• All road users must give way to emergency vehicles that have blue flashing lights, even if there is no audible warning signal
• Traffic on a roundabout has right of way, unless otherwise indicated. Drivers must also indicate before they leave the roundabout, but they should not do it as they enter
• Drivers must not enter an intersection in heavy traffic unless their exit is clear. This applies even if they have priority or if the lights are green
• Buses and school buses have priority when leaving stops, while vehicles must give way when a bus has signalled its intention to move on

Warning of approach (Rules of the road when driving in Germany)

The use of light signals and audible warnings is allowed when overtaking outside built-up areas or in cases of danger.

Towing in Germany

You can take a caravan, camper van or boat trailer into Germany.

If the caravan contains expensive or unusual items, an inventory is required. Buy German driver license online

 

The following dimensions for vehicles with trailers must be followed:

• Height: 4m
• Overall width: 2.55m (1m if towed by motorcycle)
• Overall length: 12m
• Length of car + caravan: 18.75m

When towed by a motorcycle or private car, the fully laden weight of the trailer must not exceed 750kg.

Cars towing a caravan must be equipped with two side rear-view mirrors. These may exceed the width of the caravan and must be foldable.

German seat belt law (Rules of the road when driving in Germany)

If seat belts are fitted to your car, they must be worn by the driver and passengers in both the front and rear seats. The driver has a responsibility to ensure that all passengers under 18 are suitably restrained in the car.

A fine of €30 may be imposed for not wearing a seat belt.

Traffic lights